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Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin W20 vs Dolphin Wave 90i

A side-by-side comparison of pool fit, cleaning coverage, filtration, controls and the better Pool Express option.

Dolphin W20 Dolphin Wave 90i
Pool Express pick

Our pick: Dolphin Wave 90i

Dolphin Wave 90i is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Wave 90i has documented smartphone control. Dolphin Wave 90i's documented advantages include smartphone app control.

Pool Express pick

Why Dolphin Wave 90i is our pick

Buying guidance

Dolphin W20 or Dolphin Wave 90i: our take

Dolphin W20 and Dolphin Wave 90i are compared on pool fit, cleaning reach, debris handling, controls and ownership details. The recommendation is based on the job the robot must do—not a simple feature count.

Pool fit and cleaning reach

Both robots are intended for commercial pools. Dolphin Wave 90i has a published maximum pool length of 65 ft; the other model does not have a verified length in our source material. Each cleans floor, walls, and waterline, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin W20's documented cleaning system includes Commercial-grade motors.

Filtration and debris

The available manufacturer records do not fully identify the filter media supplied with either robot, so filtration should be confirmed before ordering.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Dolphin W20 provides no fully published timer, app or remote specification; Dolphin Wave 90i provides smartphone control. Both use continuous corded power.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin W20 is listed at $1,999 and Dolphin Wave 90i at $2,399; Dolphin W20 is $400 less. Dolphin W20 lists a 3-year warranty compared with 2 years for Dolphin Wave 90i. Pool Express pick: Dolphin Wave 90i. Dolphin Wave 90i has documented smartphone control. Dolphin Wave 90i's documented advantages include smartphone app control. Choose Dolphin W20 when it is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,999 starting price.

Feature check: what each robot actually has

A green check means the feature is documented as included. A red X means it is documented as absent. A dash means the source does not make the feature clear.

Feature Dolphin W20 Dolphin Wave 90i
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls Yes Yes
Scrubs the waterline Yes Yes
Fine-debris filter included No No
Large-debris filter No No
Automatic scheduling Not listed Not listed
Smartphone app Not listed Yes
Anti-tangle swivel Not listed Not listed
3-year warranty YesEdge No
No recharging between cycles Yes Yes
Built-in UV-C water treatment No No

Unknown is not treated as “no.” Specifications come from the product pages, current catalog records and manufacturer material collected for this site.

Where Dolphin W20 stands out

Dolphin W20 is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $1,999 starting price.

  • Carries a 3-year warranty instead of 2 years
  • Is listed $400 lower

Where Dolphin Wave 90i stands out

Dolphin Wave 90i is the better fit for commercial pools up to 65 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.

  • Has documented smartphone control
  • Smartphone app control

Dolphin W20 vs Dolphin Wave 90i specifications

Use pool fit first. Price and app control do not make up for a robot that cannot cover the length or surfaces you need cleaned.

Specification Dolphin W20 Dolphin Wave 90i
Best fit Commercial pools that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning. Commercial pools up to 65 ft that need floor, wall and waterline cleaning.
Starting price $1,999 $2,399
Pool type Commercial Commercial
Maximum pool length Not listed Up to 65 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor, Walls, Waterline Floor, Walls, Waterline
Power Corded Corded
Filtration Not listed Not listed
Scheduling Not listed Not listed
App and remote Not listed App control
Cable Not listed Not listed
Robot weight Not listed Not listed
Warranty 3 years 2 years
Final call

Choose Dolphin Wave 90i

Dolphin Wave 90i is the Pool Express pick in this matchup. Dolphin Wave 90i has documented smartphone control. Dolphin Wave 90i's documented advantages include smartphone app control.

Buy Dolphin Wave 90i

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.